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Entire home

A peaceful Coastal California oasis and outdoor paradise.

Family-friendly vacation home with a sauna and an outdoor pool

Photo gallery for A peaceful Coastal California oasis and outdoor paradise.

Exterior
Property video
TV, fireplace, DVD player, table tennis
Interior
Outdoor dining
Nestled in Santa Margarita, California, Riata Ranch offers a tranquil retreat with breathtaking views and unique charm. Stargaze under the night sky or enjoy alfresco gatherings at the outdoor grilling area and bar.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 12418 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Barbecue grill

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About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

A peaceful Coastal California oasis and outdoor paradise.

The breathtaking Riata Ranch estate is a 1400-acre property nestled at the base of the Santa Lucia Mountains in Santa Margarita, California. Once inside the gates, a world of unique splendor and beauty awaits with a night sky perfect for stargazing!

The rural community of Santa Margarita is known as a stomping ground for acclaimed farm-to-table dining, wine tasting, and craft beer. The quaint village offers the solitude of country living with the bustling energy of San Luis Obispo’s thriving downtown a short 20-minute drive away. Warm spring and summer days are cooled by coastal evening breezes making the Ranch a spectacular setting for alfresco gatherings. The outdoor grilling area, bar, and large dining tables are ideal for summer gatherings.

Perched above the Ranch is the warm and inviting Ranch House. The grand residence is designed with entertaining in mind! 4,500 square feet of open-concept living boasts a professional chef’s kitchen, a grand piano, a wraparound porch, multiple outdoor entertaining areas, and a beautiful pool and spa that overlooks the property. The pool is heated from April-October (it can be heated November-March for an extra charge). The spa is heated year-round.

High end finishes and touches throughout, like John Robshaw textiles and Jerry Scott original paintings set this property apart.

Every room in the house has sweeping views that are sure to be the perfect backdrop for memories yet to come. With four cozy and comfortable bedrooms, a grand living room accentuated by a floor to ceiling stone fireplace and a spacious family room/loft, Riata Ranch offers the perfect gathering space for friends and family.

From the moment you enter in the front gates you will know you just found your home away from home. Easy day trips from the Ranch House are Hearst Castle, Morro Bay, Big Sur, and Paso Robles and Edna Valley Wine Country.

Riata Ranch offers a distinct and magical setting for your life's most treasured moments. Please message us for more information or call to discuss how we can make your stay a one-of-a-kind memorable experience.

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private pool
  • Sauna

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Chef service
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3.5 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Stereo
  • TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor entertainment area

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Service animals only (pets not allowed)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (limited availability)
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In the mountains

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Table tennis

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 4,500 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load the dishwasher
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights
Please close pool cover
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number 6006284

Property is also known as

Riata Ranch a Property Unlike any Other
Riata Ranch a Luxury Sanctuary Outdoor Paradise

About the neighborhood

Map
Santa Margarita, CA

What's nearby

  • Santa Margarita Lake - 10 min drive - 6.9 km
  • Fremont Theater - 19 min drive - 28.4 km
  • Downtown SLO Farmers' Market - 19 min drive - 28.4 km
  • Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa - 20 min drive - 29.4 km
  • California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo - 31 min drive - 30.2 km

Getting around

  • San Luis Obispo Station - 20 min drive
  • San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) - 42 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Ancient Peaks Winery - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Range - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Porch Cafe - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Southern Station - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Dunbar Brewing - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does A peaceful Coastal California oasis and outdoor paradise. have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is A peaceful Coastal California oasis and outdoor paradise. pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

What time is check-in at A peaceful Coastal California oasis and outdoor paradise.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A peaceful Coastal California oasis and outdoor paradise.?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is A peaceful Coastal California oasis and outdoor paradise. located?

Located in the mountains, this family-friendly vacation home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Santa Margarita Lake, Pozo Valley Winery, and Ancient Peaks Winery. Atascadero State Hospital is 11 mi (17.7 km) away.

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A peaceful Coastal California oasis and outdoor paradise. Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 74 out of 76 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 76 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 76 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 76 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 76 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Erica M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Slice of Heaven at Riata Ranch: A Perfect Family Escape

Our stay at Riata Ranch was nothing short of amazing! The property grounds were beautiful, offering plenty of opportunities to be outside, walk around, and enjoy the stunning views. The kids loved exploring and had a blast hanging out in the spacious upstairs area. For the adults, the numerous sitting nooks outside provided the perfect spots to relax and unwind, all while staying connected with everyone else. As soon as we got home, we found ourselves wishing we were back at Riata Ranch and dreaming of our next visit. We can't wait to return!"
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cameron H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hopeful to return!

This place is amazing, stay here if you want peace and tranquility. Everyone was very helpful and responsive throughout the entire planning process and stay. Only downside is its a bit "out there" but that's the price you pay for serenity. 100% would go back.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Precious Family Time

Had an incredible weekend staying at the Riata Ranch. Staying at a beautiful location was a fantastic way to get the family to make a trip together. The wrap around porch and outdoor seating is set up so that the group could come together for activities... but also have private time to read a book or just get away from the hustle. Pool and outdoor set up is perfect for family fun and BBQs. Outdoor seating is perfect to take in the gorgeous view of the ranch. Absolutely a 5 star stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

James W., San Francisco, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect family get-away!

We were a group of 8 family members (aged 19 - 83) from 3 different states looking for a week's get-away. Riata Ranch was the perfect place for us, and it exceeded our expectations. The home is beautiful and comfortable and the grounds are impeccable. So peaceful and isolated, and yet a short drive to many great wineries and restaurants in both Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo. Everyone enjoyed the pool during the day and hot tub and fire pit at night. We definitely plan a return trip!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Victoria C., Redwood City, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our second visit...this time for Christmas!

Our time at Riata was again magical. We were so, so sad to leave. Everyone made our stay so smooth and seamless. Our kids rode their scooters up and down the long driveway. We went on long hikes on SLO trails, and we celebrated a peaceful holiday in a beautiful space. Thank you...we will be back!
Stayed 12 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

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Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

All that and a bag of chips!

The Riata Ranch was everything I would have hoped it to be! A perfect family gathering location well suited for hosting and relaxing as well. The kitchen was superb, there were many comfortable gathering areas and the bedding/bathing areas were spacious and wonderful. Thank you again to Alex and the team for helping us to celebrate my daughter's Cal Poly graduation and hold a mini family reunion in the process.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mark F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Extraordinary Place

We loved our 3 nights at the ranch and only wish it could have been a full week. We had a dinner event while we were there and everybody was responsive and helpful with all the many many details we needed to take care of. Be aware the caretaker has dogs and they will be at the place. We love dogs and it wasn't a big deal, we just asked him to keep them in during our party and he complied. House could use better cookware (it has everything, the pans were just low quality) Overall, this place is amazing and I can't say enough good about it.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Monique R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another week spent in paradise!

We just returned from our 3rd Summer stay at Riata Ranch and it is by far our families’ favorite place to go. We enjoyed morning walks, sitting by the pool, reading, cooking in the well stocked kitchen, bbq’ing, watching movies and stargazing. The layout of this house makes it very easy for all 3 generations to travel together, with the kids upstairs and the parents (us) and grandparents downstairs. The bed linens are all high quality, there are white pottery barn slip covered cozy down couches, high end down pillows, and the mattress’ are super comfortable. The wraparound decks provide a nice place to escape the sunshine! The host Alex is awesome, extremely responsive and wonderful. When we stay at Riata, we feel like it’s an extension of our own homes. It’s just so nice to spend quality time in nature together as a family and we can’t wait to go back next year!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wendy L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely home in a lovely setting.

For several years our family has had an annual beach-week retreat. We usually have between 10 and 15 people from 3 generations from No and So CA, TN, & NC., this year four. Some years we’ve booked vacation rentals that were very nice and other times a bit disappointing. Because rates near the water have greatly inflated, we decided to try an earlier stay at a more rural location. This luxurious ranch house in the oak studded rolling hills of the central coast was a find, the views from every window were glorious. The weather was swim worthy yet cooled in the evening. We played games and read and visited. The cooks among us did justice to the large, well-appointed kitchen and BBQ. The 7 days sped by all too fast. We weren’t disappointed in the new type venue.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew E., Menlo Park

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spectacular home and views

Perfect getaway for a family get together. The home is beautiful, with a true chef's kitchen and a spacious interior feel that is much more gracious than the 3+1 bedroom configuration suggests. The wraparound porch and surrounding pool area could easily host a 50+-person gathering and is well appointed with separate seating areas to accommodate many different conversation groups or just a sense of variety over a multi-day stay. The house has central stereo, several TV's, and a host of games both indoor and outdoor. And the views...hard to do them justice in any one photo. But it is soulful to just sit and soak in the views over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. The whole group agreed this is really the house we would design if we were building on our own. Loved the stay, and looking forward to coming back.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Craig H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

An Amazing Place!

This is truly a spectacular property. It's almost jaw-dropping when you first enter the massive grounds, drive up the long access road, and then enter the house. What a peaceful and beautiful setting! The house has an inviting open layout and high ceilings that maximize the stunning views. The wrap around porch and other outside amenities provide guests with several 'meeting spots.' There's an outdoor dining table, outdoor bar area with barbeque, outdoor seating area around a gas fire pit, chez lounge chairs, Adirondack chairs, a ping pong table, etc. Plenty of comfortable and unique spots for different groups to hang out or for the whole group to congregate! I also wanted to mention how incredibly well-maintained this property is. The outdoor grounds are beautifully landscaped. All the electronics, lights, fixtures, kitchen stuff-- everything--worked! Lights are labelled so you don't have to guess which is which. The kitchen has all the amenities needed for cooking good-sized meals, which I'd recommend because you don't want to leave! I could go on and on and on! Because it's a working ranch, you get a special addition of having animals around. We were visited now and then by two very sweet dogs, and had a group of horses come by and say hi in the late afternoon behind the fence near the pool. Those special encounters added to a very special stay. If it's not clear by now, I highly recommend a stay a the Riata Ranch!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Monique R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolute Perfection!!

I’m a total neat freak and I’ll admit I was a bit hesitant to stay in a VRBO I’d never been to before … but upon entering the front door, I was immediately at ease and completely in awe of how it’s even possible to keep that many white pottery barn couches and linens in such perfect shape with rotating visitors! This house was in PRISTINE condition and far surpassed all of our expectations. We came with 2 teenagers and my parents and we all found the house to be warm and inviting, comfortable, yet large enough to where we all felt like we had our own space if we wanted it. The house is super light and bright, with large and super clean windows, the common areas are spacious and comfortable, the kitchen is well equipped with a huge island, extra under cabinet refrigerators, double basin sink etc. The outdoor areas are incredibly well maintained with green grass all around the back yard, flowers, Edison bulb string lights in the back, Sonos speakers throughout the whole house and even in outside areas, tons of options for dining outside on the wraparound deck, using the bbq, shaded areas to sit under the covered porch or out on the lounge chairs by the pool under an umbrella. The pool and hot tub were warm and comfortable and the kids had a blast playing pool volleyball! Most systems in the house are easily operated through a touch screen in the kitchen (music inside and out, heating the hot tub and pool, etc.). There are essentially 2 master suites downstairs (although one has a pull out sofa bed, which is the only thing I would change about this house … it would be really nice if there was an actual bed in the 2nd suite). The upstairs has 2 spacious bedrooms with a Jack and Jill bathroom between them … but it’s a larger and nicer bathroom than I expected, with a sink and tub/shower on one side and a 2nd sink and toilet on the other side that can be separated by a door, which was especially nice with 2 teenagers sharing the bathroom! One could enjoy a private shower, while the other brushed their teeth etc. There’s also a giant family room upstairs, with super comfortable couches, a large tv, games etc. The laundry room was a bonus with a high capacity washer and dryer. We really enjoyed our daily walks along the roads and trails around the property, taking photos of the beautiful birds, horses and mature oaks. We all agreed that this was the easiest and best family trip we’ve all been on together and we will most definitely be back again soon!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Claire S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mr. And Mrs.

Had the most wonderful time sharing this amazing home with our children and grandchildren.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Tristan R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house and property were beautiful. We had a great time in the pool and exploring the area like SLO and Pismo Beach. The nearby cows were friendly and fun to watch.Some drawbacks were that the pool was too cold on some days. The pool heater wasn't working.Also, some dogs that live on the ranch unexpectedly ran up to our kids multiple times and pooped in the areas they were playing.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristiann M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our second time at the “ranch” and all was perfect once again. A very relaxing vacation was had, reading by the pool, watching the cattle, doing puzzles and playing games. Town and activities are rather far away, so we embraced the quiet peace.
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Monique R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We look forward to coming to Riata as a family every summer (this was our 4th return visit) and it never disappoints! It is always clean, with high quality linens, comfortable living areas and bedrooms and an incredibly private location. It’s easy to prepare food in the gourmet kitchen and even though it’s remote it’s not too remote and is also very convenient to have instacart deliver groceries right to the door. We love it here and enjoy coming with our children and grandparents. Can’t wait to come back next year!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

My favorite place to stay!

The property is clean, spacious and luxurious. The kitchen is well stocked. I especially appreciate the location and the quiet; love to hear the birds and cows. Very relaxing.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jodi B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

AMAZING!!

For the first time I've ever stayed at a Vrbo, the photos didn't even do it justice. The place is even better in person! The place was immaculate, super comfortable and just all around awesome!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heather S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful property

My family has been here twice. This year, the property was already decorated for Christmas and it was magical. Thank you for a wonderful stay!
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nephele B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great family weekend!

Our family had a great time in this beautiful home! We especially enjoyed cooking and hanging out in the amazing kitchen and beautiful backyard!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joan D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Vacation

Our family enjoyed cooking and playing both inside and outside at the ranch.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

David S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful

We had a fabulous week. Beautiful setting, gorgeous views, very peaceful. We loved the pool/spa. Great kitchen and a lovely place to stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ryan W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We keep coming back

This is our third stay and we will be booking for our annual September trip soon making it four. House is amazing, manager, property manager and Maintenance manager are all awesome and responsive. The setting of this house is spectacular!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Victoria C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thank you!

Hopefully writing that we spent our third Christmas at Riata (and already booked for the 4th!) speaks for itself. This sweet place has come to mean a great deal to our family. Thank you, Riata, for it all. See you next year! -Victoria, Brian, Zander (12), Aila (10), Declan (9), and Aoife (6)
Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Renee S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing View

Comfortable, relaxing and very enjoyable experience. Absolutely breath taking views of mountain range.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023